Adopting a cat from a shelter is not just window shopping for the cutest face. It’s about matching with the cat whose personality best fits with your needs and lifestyle.
Step 1: Get to Know Your Shelter
“Some shelters and rescues have stricter policies or requirements for adoption than others, who are more flexible with the unique circumstances and various living situations of an adoptive family,” says Dr. Alison E. Lindsay, instructor in Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences at Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine. “It’s important to do some research into what the specific organization’s requirements are for adoption before you fall in love with an adoptable cat.”
Reaching out online is an easy way to make initial contact with most animal shelters. You also may be able to view their adoption application on the shelter’s website. Ask for clarification about anything you find confusing.
You can also visit in person to meet some of the staff and ask questions about the adoption process. Consider calling ahead to schedule your visit. Animals have many needs, and shelters are often stretched thin giving all their charges the care and attention they require.
Step 2: Paperwork
Filling out an application form ahead of time shows that you are dedicated to adopting a cat and have done some thinking about it. Expect questions about where you live, your contact information, pets you currently have, and pets you have had in the past.
Many applications ask if you own or rent your home and may ask for contact information for your landlord. This is so that the shelter can ensure that pets are allowed in your home and be sure that your new cat won’t get evicted.
They will also ask who your current veterinarian is or where you plan to seek care for your new cat.
The application may ask about your work schedule, typical routine, and what your home environment is like. This information can help match the right cat with your home. For example, a shy, sound-sensitive senior cat will probably be stressed living in an apartment over a noisy gym, while a social young cat will get bored hanging out by himself while you travel for work every week.
The shelter may ask for references and to do a home visit. Your references should be people who know you well and have spent time with any previous pets you’ve had. Veterinarians also make good references, as they can vouch for the care your previous pets received. The home visit is to make sure you live where you say you do and briefly check for any safety concerns there might be for a cat.
Step 3: Meet the Cats
Start by looking at photos of available cats, then arrange for a meet-and-greet. “It is imperative that the individual cat’s preferences are taken into account, such as whether he/she prefers a single versus multi-cat household, social versus shy cat, etcetera,” says Dr. Lindsay.
You can get an idea of a cat’s personality during a meet-and-greet, but also talk to the shelter staff who primarily take care of each cat that you are interested in. Ask how the cat behaves when relaxed. The staff may have an idea on whether a cat will get along well with other animals or young children.
If you have any current pets, you may be able to introduce them before adoption, or during a trial period.
The first cat that catches your eye may not be a good fit. “Sometimes, cats that are not socialized to humans end up in shelter environments due to welfare or public health/nuisance concerns,” says Dr. Lindsay. “Unfortunately, these cats do not thrive in close proximity to humans, nor when they are placed into a traditional indoor-only environment. In these cases, it may be appropriate to determine another pathway out of the shelter, such as placement as a working barn cat or, if they are healthy and thriving outdoors, spay/neuter and returning them to the field to reduce breeding and other nuisance behaviors.”
Step 4: Paint the Nursery
“In general, it’s a good idea to prep a small, dedicated zone for a new kitty to stay prior to their arrival home and introduction into the space at large,” says Dr. Lindsay. “This gives them a chance to acclimate to their new surroundings confidently and on their own timeline based on their comfort levels, and can be accomplished in a bathroom, laundry room, spare bedroom, or even a fully enclosed playpen or crate if it is a kitten.
“This space should be big enough, at least eight by eight square feet of floor space, to comfortably and separately contain all the necessities for a cat: a cozy space to relax/curl up and nap, a food/water station, a litter box, and some toys/treats/etc.”
Step 5: Bring Kitty Home
Once home, your new feline friend will need some time to adjust. “Cats have very unique personalities,” says Dr. Lindsay. “Some may be curious to explore the space outside their zone right away, while others may hide for several days – or weeks even! If they are shy, be sure to check on them often and spend time with them creating positive associations with their new space. Feeding tasty snacks is very helpful here if they are food-motivated. I have seen some very shy cats blossom in home environments with patience and determination—and maybe some anxiety medications.”
Alison E. Lindsay, DVM, is an instructor in Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences at Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine.
